Search - Ferras :: Aliens & Rainbows

Joseph S. (hamsterdad) from GRANTS PASS, OR
Reviewed on 11/3/2009...

This album comes close to being a pop masterpiece. It has the slick production style that has mademain stream pop groups successful through many years of changing music styles. The only thing that may keep this record from standing the test of time, and selling like similar pop efforts of the past, is that it is a bit to intelligent for main stream top 40 stations. The songs are wonderfully crafted stories, not just catchy hooks, and cliche subjects. There are some low points, but in my opinion, there are no throw away songs here. Well worth a listen.

FRESH SOUNDS WORTH GETTING!

Robert Lawrence | Wheeling, IL USA | 05/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ferras (Alquasi) has quite a challenge before him in trying not to become a one-hit wonder. Earlier this year he was exposed to millions with his single "Hollywood's Not America," as it was played night after night during "Hollywood Week" of American Idol's Season 7 cast-offs. So this American wonders is there more from Ferras that is worth listening to?



Twenty-Five year old Ferras gets his strikingly dark brooding looks from his Arab American father and European American mother. Born in southern Illinois, Ferras had to first overcome the break up of his parents at a young age, a kidnapping from his estranged Father who whisked him off to a foreign land, and his mother having to abduct him back into the USA. This was all very traumatic for a young half Mid-Eastern kid growing up in a mostly-white small town, he felt alienated and started creating his own world with music on a Casio keyboard. Ferras and his mother eventually settled in Santa Barbara, California. While hunting and auditioning for record deals he caught the ear of Limp Bizkit front-man Fred Durst who lead him to Capitol Music. Alquasi was discovered.



Ferras debut "Aliens and Rainbows" is a self exploration filled with his own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. His sound doesn't really fit into any one category. Though aimed at pop audiences there is a deeper path to his sound as he draws from various 70's British influences blending with the emo-esque tones of modern day storytellers. With a strong ferocious conviction he pounds eloquently on the piano through each track, with adequate string accompaniment, at times sounding exhausted in delivery but reeking all along with such overwhelming passion.



The opener "Liberation Day" (what a wonderful thing to throw your illusions away-it's Liberation day) is an anthem for any oppressed race, culture, or group. He then follows this with the title track that deals with his feelings of isolation, rebelling in lyric, that he would rather be alone with Aliens and Rainbows, than to conform to what is expected of him. The third cut in, "Something About You," sets the tone for the remainder of the set and feels as if it was lifted from a "Coldplay" outtake session, but Ferras's vocal quickly reminds you that it's not them and reels you back into his story.



My favorite track is "My Beautiful Life," which begins with dialog over light instruments. (When I'm up in the air, When I'm down on the floor, I could use a sharper knife, Is there anything else, Is there anything more, This is my beautiful life, And the poetry's crushing me) It's a dark tune, but as a songwriter, he goes back and forth in moods ranging from happy to sad, and many times this is felt within each individual song. "Aliens and Rainbows" is a very strong professional debut. I recommend it highly to anyone who likes to listen while reading the lyrics and become transported into the mind of an artist."

Fresh and new

C. senski | milwaukee county, wisconsin | 04/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i love every song on here. its refreshing to hear someone different who writes their own songs."